Gangwon-do is perfect place to travel in the off-season! You won’t regret it! A few recommendations from a toddler mom and coffee fiend.
A Wonderful Family Off-Season Trip to Gangwon-do
So far, we’ve driven to both the West and East Coasts in Korea. If you don’t want to follow the crowd to Busan or Jeju, you can still have an amazing outdoor experience if you drive East. In fact, Gangneung prides itself on having hosted the 2018 Olympic Games and you’ll see many references to that experience along the way.
I recommend traveling during the off-peak season, like Fall or Spring. If you’re heading East Sea, then the beaches are a top priority. Gangneung has beautiful beaches. If you travel in the Fall, the beaches will be cold but the autumn colors will be magnificent AND the hotels will be more affordable. If you travel in the Spring, the beaches will be warmer but the water will still be chilly, the cherry blossoms will be out, AND the hotels will be more affordable.
Where should are some good places to stay in the off-season in Gangwon-do?
For example, St. John’s Hotel and Sol Beach Hotel and Resort are top-notch hotel experiences, right on the beach. Off-season, we got a W450,000 room for under W200,000 with breakfast. Sol Beach Hotel and Resort has a buffet breakfast. St. John’s allows you to choose between Continental, Korean (oxtail soup), or Vietnamese (pho) breakfast.
What I loved about visiting Gangwon-do in the spring.
The cafes are amazing. You’re in Korea so you’re looking for the experience. If you followed the first recommendation, then you’re already near the beach so Anmok or cafe Street should be your next stop. I’ve been to many of the cafes on this street. One didn’t stand out more than the rest. You’re really here for the beach cafe scene.
Breathe it in. If you want a more private experience, Cafe Sea Att, further north along the beach, opens at 0900 and has the same gorgeous beach view with fewer people. You won’t be disappointed if you go on a beach walk. Gangneung beaches are gorgeous (and I’m from Hawai’i so you know I speak the truth) but there are also many photo-op stops and sculpture parks. If you want to visit the cafe that makes the coffee that many Gangneung cafes serve, Terarosa Coffee is in Gangneung-si, about a 15-minute drive from the beach but you’ll have to hunt for parking.
The off-season tourist attractions we enjoyed in Gangwon-do as a family.
If you decided to travel to Gangwon in the Fall, then I highly recommend Seoraksan National Park. Get a ticket to ride the cable cars and be prepared to have your breath taken away. There are many temples that are also worthwhile in Gangwon, including the house of Yi I, he’s on the W5,000. His mother, Sin Saimdang, is on the W50,000. Naksansa Temple also has amazing mountain views.
If you have children who love animals, especially sheep, then head to Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch. It’s located at a rest stop so it may be best for the drive-in or out of Gangwon. Many street food options and cafes. I recommend Cafe Windhill, which sells these amazing coffee biscuits that you can find in cafes in Gangneung, but they also sell coffee and latte butter. Great finds for coffee lovers!
My Recommendations for Your Off-Season Gangwon-do Family Trip
St. Johns Hotel
033-660-9000
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 강릉시 창해로 307
Beautiful hotel on the beach with many amenities. More affordable during the off seasons. Includes an infinity pool, fitness room, sculpture park,, and many restaurants and cafes.
Sol Beach And Resort Yangyang
1588-4888
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 양양군 손양면 선사유적로 678
A large and comprehensive resort that’s perfect for families with kids or fur babies. Call ahead to learn animal rules before booking.
SongJung ⛱ Beach
Hangul Address
강원도 강릉시 안현동 89-43
SongJung beach where is located in Gangneung. Nice beach ⛱ is named as SongJung because over 700years of pine trees are covered there.♡
Cafe Sea Aat
033-644-2011
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 강릉시 해안로 633-3
Light brunch and Cafe menu with a gorgeous view of the beach, especially from the second floor.
Terarosa Coffee
033-648-2760
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 강릉시 난설헌로 145
Tucked away in Gangneung is a cafe that sells whole bean coffee that other cafes in the area use in the drinks. Small selection of bakery items.
Seoraksan National Park
Naksan Temple
033-672-2447
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 양양군 강현면 낙산사로 100
A beautiful and famous temple located on the East Sea near Sokcho.
Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch
033-335-1966
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 평창군 대관령면 대관령마루길 483-32
Whether youre looking for a place to stop, grab a bite, some coffee, and just be one with nature OR you have a child who loves sheep, this sheep ranch will not disappoint. Its difficult to miss because youll see sheep statues on both sides of the freeway as you near this location. Large parking lot and rest stop with street vendors and cafes before you walk uphill towards the ranch.
Gangwon-do has many things to explore
Of course, much like any other beach region, the best time to travel is the summer but I hope this blog post encourages you to reconsider. If you like to surf, I also noticed some nice waves in both the Fall and the spring. If you don’t have swimming clothes, toys, or surfboards, St. John’s Hotel carries all of your beach needs, available for rent or purchase.
You can find all these recommendations in the South of Seoul app!
Editor Notes: You can find all of the recommendations in the South of Seoul app. South of Seoul blogger, LeaDan, added the details you need to locate these locations easily using the map app of your choice (We recommend using Naver or Kakao Maps which both have English language integration). If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to use 1330 which is South Korea’s national tourist information hotline that answers questions in many languages.
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LeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech.
As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers. She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors.
Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.
